Evolve HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam Quizlet Related

Review Evolve HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam Quizlet related questions and content

A client has had a pulmonary artery catheter inserted. In performing hemodynamic monitoring with the catheter, the nurse will wedge the catheter to gain information about which of the following?

  • A. Cardiac output.
  • B. Right atrial blood flow.
  • C. Left end-diastolic pressure.
  • D. Cardiac index.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Left end-diastolic pressure. Wedging the pulmonary artery catheter allows the nurse to obtain the pulmonary artery wedge pressure, which reflects the left end-diastolic pressure. This pressure is essential in assessing left ventricular function and diagnosing conditions like heart failure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because wedging the catheter does not directly provide information about cardiac output, right atrial blood flow, or cardiac index.